California Grill on July 4th

[MichiganMomto4]

I have an ADR for CG at 9:25 on the night of the 4th. Last year, Wishes was at 9 and 9:50. Here are my questions:

Will we possibly be able to get to the observation deck for the 9 p.m. fireworks even though our adr is for 9:25? If not, and we've been seated, can we get up from the table and watch the 9:50 next show? (all of this, of course, is assuming that Wishes is scheduled pretty much the same as it was last year)

I was so geeked when I got the adr, then I started thinking..... 'hhmmmm.... maybe there was a reason I got them so easily and we won't be able to watch Wishes' That's the way my luck goes sometimes!

I'm really hoping for some reassurance from the DIS experts Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm betting you won't be able to keep that ADR.

They usually use the entire restaurant for a special party that night, which costs about $400 per person.

I suppose it is possible they will not do it this year, but you should watch out for information on this.

 

[BoomNLeon]

First off -WOW. What an amazing experience on July 4!

They usually let you up early, if you have a reservation. One suggestion, when you go out to the observation deck - use the entrance to the deck near the restrooms. This part of the deck is relatively empty and you can have good space to see the fireworks.

One of the many, many nice things about CG is they stop all service while Wishes is going on. So, if you get the later show you don't have to worry about dinner.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

I'm betting you won't be able to keep that ADR.

They usually use the entire restaurant for a special party that night, which costs about $400 per person.

I suppose it is possible they will not do it this year, but you should watch out for information on this.

then it never should have let me make the ADR in the first place! Wow, I'll be really upset if that's the case. I had other options may not be available later. If it's true - how/when will they let me know?

 

[TDC Nala]

then it never should have let me make the ADR in the first place! Wow, I'll be really upset if that's the case. I had other options may not be available later. If it's true - how/when will they let me know?

This info is from the 2009 party. They did also have a party in 2010.

California Grill has availability for their Independence Day Dinner, an exclusive dine-a-round Food and Beverage event with well bar. Guests can dine on Summer Lobster Rolls, fresh sushi, Boneless St. Louis style pork ribs, Black Angus Strip Steaks, sweet buttered corn, summer salads, a variety of desserts, and many more exquisite dishes.

They will have characters, a DJ with dancing, strolling entertainment, fortune teller, and magician. This wonderful meal offers an incredible viewing location of the Magic Kingdom’s Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at 9:00pm and then the festivities continues with additional viewings of firework presentations at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 10:00pm. This is one celebration no one should miss!

Adults and children are $220. The price includes tax and gratuity.

Just for peace of mind, if I were you I would book an alternative right away.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

Don't you think they'd be advertising that by now?

I'm sorry, I love DISNEY but if this turns out to be the case, it's a totally crappy thing to do.

 

[TDC Nala]

No, they generally don't release the details this early. However I don't know if they've managed to match up with the 180 day booking window.

It's always possible they will not be having the party this year. However I would still look into any alternatives, especially if what you are primarily after is the fireworks view.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Wow, I'll be really upset if that's the case . . . If it's true - how/when will they let me know?

1) They have been doing this since (I think) 2005.
2) Last year, the announcement came out quite late in the Spring.
3) They called everyone with an ADR and told them about it.
4) They were offered a chance to buy the special meal event.
5) WDW did try to make other ADR's for the guest.
6) But, there was no special allowance to bust into another eatery.
7) Guests had to take what was available, just as if they called in.

 

[quirty30]

I'm in the same predicament as the OP...we are staying at BLT and I was really looking forward to a relaxing day at our resort and dinner at the Cali Grill followed by fireworks - all without crazy crowds. I, too, think they shouldn't even be allowing ADR's if they are going to have a special event.

Just curious, do they generally do this party the 3rd and the 4th? If I make a back up ADR's for the 3rd, will that work? We were going to be at the MK on the 3rd, but it might be a nice break away from the chaos. Guess we could just eat at the Wave on the 4th and got up to the lounge at BLT for fireworks, too.